Sunstead: A Solstice Half-Day Retreat

£60.00

When: Saturday, June 20th 2026, 1-5pm

Where: Metal, Chalkwell Park, SS0 8NB

What: Can we call on the moment that the sun “stands still” to find some stillness within? Can we draw inspiration from the start of summer and find our own new beginning?

Sunstead is a half-day retreat that invites you into small acts of creativity whilst sitting in community, to mirror nature’s own symbiotic creations. We will devote time to gentle breathwork, sensory meditations and solstice rituals to inspire words and poetry rooted in the natural world. We will nourish our bodies with treats and teas created for the season and relax our minds with a restorative sound bath. An afternoon for the body, mind and soul to inspire the written word.

Part of the Hosted At programme at Metal Southend, as part of the Essex Writers Festival.

This event is open to all (16+).

When: Saturday, June 20th 2026, 1-5pm

Where: Metal, Chalkwell Park, SS0 8NB

What: Can we call on the moment that the sun “stands still” to find some stillness within? Can we draw inspiration from the start of summer and find our own new beginning?

Sunstead is a half-day retreat that invites you into small acts of creativity whilst sitting in community, to mirror nature’s own symbiotic creations. We will devote time to gentle breathwork, sensory meditations and solstice rituals to inspire words and poetry rooted in the natural world. We will nourish our bodies with treats and teas created for the season and relax our minds with a restorative sound bath. An afternoon for the body, mind and soul to inspire the written word.

Part of the Hosted At programme at Metal Southend, as part of the Essex Writers Festival.

This event is open to all (16+).

Agenda

Opening Circle

We will settle into the space with some gentle breathwork before co-creating our centrepiece from foraged materials and found items.

Sensory Meditations

We will begin our meditation journey indoors, focusing on the five senses, before moving into the beautiful gardens of Chalkwell Park for a wallking meditation, interacting with the nature around us.

Solstice Poetry Ritual

We will find inspiration in the poems of others and our own interactions with the plants outside to create a collective circular poem which will be added to our centrepiece.

Treats and Teas

We will share food and herbal infusions lovingly prepared for the solstice whilst connecting with each other in a relaxed environment.

Crystal Bowl Soundbath

We will get comfy for a guided meditation and crystal bowl soundbath to encourage our bodies to release any tensions and prepare for a restful evening.

Closing Circle

A chance to ground ourselves with a final tea and an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share, the space to do that.